What to know about new Florida laws that go into effect on January 1st

A gavel with the Floridan flag in the background. Photo: niroworld/Shutterstock.com On January 1, 2025, nine new Florida laws will go into effect, ranging from prohibiting children under the age of 14 from having social media accounts to prohibiting them from pestering first responders. Safeguarding Children Online This law forbids regulated social media companies from

Florida gun law is being considered by a federal appeals court

Hangun laying on a Gun / Firearms/Guns License Certificate Courtesy: Shutterstock-Photo by steved_np3 A federal appeals court debated the validity of a Florida law that prohibits those under the age of 21 from purchasing rifles and other long guns on Tuesday, amid changing views on how firearms can be limited. The age restriction was part

The ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill settlement permits Florida educators to talk about gender identity and sexual orientation

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Hunter Crenian Under a settlement agreed on Monday between Florida school authorities and civil rights advocates who had challenged a state rule that detractors called “Don’t Say Gay,” students and teachers can discuss sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida classrooms, so long as it’s

New laws in Florida that will take effect on January 1, 2024

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signs new laws — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Hunter Crenian The Florida Legislature adopted many bills, and Governor Ron DeSantis signed them into law. Among these are amendments to current laws about bail and pretrial release. Another law transfers Department of Children and Families (DCF) child protection investigations from seven sheriff’s offices. 

Effective July 1, Florida drivers can use hazard lights on highways through fog and rain

Hazard Light button in vehicle – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by  oatawa Florida residents know all too well that raining and driving pair together like warm apple pie and ice cream—except the latter is easily the preferred pair of the two. The reason we bring up rain and driving is because every Florida driver has

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ latest bill signing bans transgender females from competing in girls’ sports on first day of Pride Month

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Hunter Crenian On Tuesday, June 1, Florida’s governor Ron DeSantis signed a recently passed bill into law that prohibits transgender females from participating in public school sports that are intended for biologically born females, further affirming the state’s tilt in favor of largely Republican political

House Legislators approve Deal that grants Seminole tribe expanded gambling rights in Florida—includes roulette, craps, and sports

Sports Betting Viewing Room – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Nick_Nick In a special session Wednesday, representatives in the Florida House gave 97-17 approval to an arrangement that Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe laid out last month. The deal, which was approved yesterday by the Florida Senate with a 38-1 vote, is estimated

Sports Betting in Florida gains steam as Seminole Tribe and state leaders near major gambling deal terms

Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Kit Leong Many thought the day when Florida legalized sports gambling would never come. That day may become a reality as the Florida legislative session nears a close. Insiders close to the situation believe a major agreement will be announced in the coming days detailing an arrangement between the state and

Understanding Florida’s ‘Anti-Riot’ bill—cracking down on protests in the state

Looted storefront business – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by magraphy Yesterday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis officially signed and approved a new measure that vows to crack down on rioting, property damage, and violence during protests. DeSantis called the new law the “strongest anti-rioting, pro-law enforcement measure in the country.” CS/HB 1 – Combating Public Disorder

Applicable online sales tax bill moves forward in Florida House

Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by create jobs 51 Floridians may soon have to pay up when they purchase goods online from out-of-state retailers. Residents in the Sunshine State have long been spoiled ever since the transition to buying online became more mainstream. The perks of buying goods online are endless: avoiding waiting in line, not